Flagstone & Bluestone Steps

Flagstone and Bluestone steps can be constructed with various different risers, treads, and various shades of gray. The height and length of the hill is measured to determine the number of steps, the height of each riser, and the length of each tread. Different construction techniques can be used that will have a big influence on the price. Shown below are some of the different ways flagstone and bluestone steps can be constructed. Flagstone or Bluestone masonry steps must be constructed on a concrete footer below the frost line which can add significantly to the cost. Bluestone treads could be used as treads on segmental retaining wall risers. Steps are constructed on a 6-inch base of compacted crushed stone, and at least 8-inches of wall stones below grade, but they do not require a concrete foundation so they are more economical than masonry steps. Flagstone or Bluestone could be used as a veneer over concrete steps that are in sound shape and can allow for the extra 2-inches that the bluestone veneer will add. Solid one piece bluestone or other natural stone blocks 6-in. thick can be installed as complete steps. Flagstone or bluestone can also be used inside tie riser as treads or landings inside the ties. Please view some examples of our flagstone and bluestone steps below.
All steps shown were constructed by Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design and Construction.

Flagstone Treads With SRW Risers Steps

Flagstone or bluestone treads could be used as treads on segmental retaining wall risers. Steps are constructed on a 6-inch base of compacted crushed stone, and at least 8-inches of wall stones below grade, but they do not require a concrete foundation so they are more economical than masonry steps. Flagstone or bluestone treads are installed with Segmental retaining wall adhesive.Click here for steps in construction.

Shown below are bluestone steps with solid treads mortared onto risers constructed with tumbled flagstone wall stone over cinder blocks and a concrete footer, and brick cheek walls. Flagstone or Bluestone masonry steps must be constructed on a concrete footer below the frost line which can add significantly to the cost.

Flagstone or Bluestone Veneer Steps

Flagstone and bluestone can be used as a veneer over concrete steps that are in sound shape and can allow for the extra 2-inches that the flagstone veneer will add. It is an economical way of incorporating bluestone into a project. Since the existing steps do not have to be removed and the footers are already in place they are more economical than other types of flagstone steps. The veneer will add about 2-inches to the top and bottom step.

The front and top of the lower step is veneered with one piece of Bluestone tread. The sides and top of the landing is veneered with full range thermal flagstone. Lower wall is constructed with tumbled bluestone laid dry. This job is located at my home and office in Newtown Square, PA

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Tie and Flagstone Steps – Newtown Square, Delaware County, PA 19073

Steps shown below are constructed with tie risers and flagstone treads. Tie pieces extend from lower steps under upper steps and are staked to the ground with 2-ft. reinforcing rods. Because they do not require a foundation they are more economical than the steps shown above, and blend nice with decks and wood houses..

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Solid Bluestone, Flagstone & Other Natural Stone Block Steps

Solid Bluestone, Flagstone, and other natural stone block treads 6-in. thick can be installed as complete steps. We install these steps using the same technique as Segmental Retaining wall steps. A 6-in. modified stone base is installed and compacted for each tread and 6-in. solid cinder blocks are installed below grade on this base. Solid stone block step treads are installed on the blocks with retaining wall adhesive.